Post by Sue on Apr 23, 2017 21:19:06 GMT

Tomasz Gollob’s surgeon says the Polish legend could face paralysis and admits his career may be over.

The 2010 world champion was airlifted to the Bydgoszcz Military Hospital after suffering serious spinal and lung injuries during a motocross event at nearby Chelmno.

Leading neurologist Professor Marek Harat carried out a three-hour operation, and revealed the five-time FIM Speedway World Cup winner sustained “very serious damage to the spinal cord”, but confirmed it hadn’t been broken.

Gollob suffered injuries to the T7 vertebrae and is also said to be receiving support with his breathing after damaging both lungs.

In a post on Gollob’s official website, Professor Harat confirms the 46-year-old could face paralysis.

But with the spinal cord intact, he refuses to jump to any immediate conclusions about the future prognosis of Poland’s greatest speedway star.

He said: “There has been very serious damage to the spinal cord, although it has not been interrupted. Tomasz is threatened with paralysis, but we will not prejudge anything – the next few days and weeks will decide. This could mean the end of his sports career.”

Asked about Gollob’s prospects of returning to the track, he told Polskie Radio PiK: “I think it’s an end to his career.

“Even taking into account the best possible course of treatment, Tomek faces a long rehabilitation that will last months if not years.

“The fact the spinal cord isn’t broken gives us a glimmer of hope. So, right now, I cannot state that anything is irreversible.”

Gollob’s 2013 season was ended by a serious crash with Tai Woffinden at the Scandinavian SGP in Stockholm. But Professor Harat insists the injuries the rider sustained then didn’t take their toll this weekend.

He added: “After the Stockholm crash, Tomasz had neck vertebrae damage not thoracic vertebrae, so that crash hasn’t had an impact on his current situation.”

Everyone involved in the FIM Speedway Grand Prix series wishes Tomasz a fast and full recovery from his injuries.

Post by loco's loco co. on Apr 24, 2017 10:03:20 GMT

Tomasz Gollob’s surgeon says the Polish legend could face paralysis and admits his career may be over.

The 2010 world champion was airlifted to the Bydgoszcz Military Hospital after suffering serious spinal and lung injuries during a motocross event at nearby Chelmno.

Leading neurologist Professor Marek Harat carried out a three-hour operation, and revealed the five-time FIM Speedway World Cup winner sustained “very serious damage to the spinal cord”, but confirmed it hadn’t been broken.

Gollob suffered injuries to the T7 vertebrae and is also said to be receiving support with his breathing after damaging both lungs.

In a post on Gollob’s official website, Professor Harat confirms the 46-year-old could face paralysis.

But with the spinal cord intact, he refuses to jump to any immediate conclusions about the future prognosis of Poland’s greatest speedway star.

He said: “There has been very serious damage to the spinal cord, although it has not been interrupted. Tomasz is threatened with paralysis, but we will not prejudge anything – the next few days and weeks will decide. This could mean the end of his sports career.”

Asked about Gollob’s prospects of returning to the track, he told Polskie Radio PiK: “I think it’s an end to his career.

“Even taking into account the best possible course of treatment, Tomek faces a long rehabilitation that will last months if not years.

“The fact the spinal cord isn’t broken gives us a glimmer of hope. So, right now, I cannot state that anything is irreversible.”

Gollob’s 2013 season was ended by a serious crash with Tai Woffinden at the Scandinavian SGP in Stockholm. But Professor Harat insists the injuries the rider sustained then didn’t take their toll this weekend.

He added: “After the Stockholm crash, Tomasz had neck vertebrae damage not thoracic vertebrae, so that crash hasn’t had an impact on his current situation.”

Everyone involved in the FIM Speedway Grand Prix series wishes Tomasz a fast and full recovery from his injuries.